From a grumpy old man to Santa Claus, from a Roman soldier to a cross-dressing judge, David played many characters, both serious and humorous, over the years. Community theatre was his love. He graced many stages in his home state of Michigan and, more recently, the Virginia Military Institute Gillis Theatre and the ShenanArts Theatre in Staunton.

Born David Robert Lusk on April 21, 1944 in Highland Park, Mich., he was the son of Robert Lusk and Miriam (Lattin) Lusk. He lived most of his life in the greater Detroit area before moving to Lexington.

Following high school, he spent six years in the United States Navy achieving the rank of Torpedoman second class. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, he attended Michigan State University and graduated from Wayne State University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in theatre.

He worked for many years in the automotive industry, retiring in 2017. As a quality control consultant, he traveled throughout the world providing training to automotive suppliers.

Surviving is his wife, Deborah Bodner; his brother, Jon Lusk (Sally); his former stepsons, Michael Gilbert and Steven Gilbert (Melissa); two grandchildren and extended family back in Michigan.

No service is planned at this time. Please consider a donation to ShenanArts Theatre, 300 Churchville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401. NG